Defender Kelvin Langmead is relishing the “unbelievable” prospect of running out at Wembley for Shrewsbury Town for the second time.

The 24-year-old centre-back was part of the side beaten 3-1 by Bristol Rovers in the League Two play-off final in 2007.

And he is thrilled to have earned the chance for a second bite of the cherry in this year’s final against Gillingham a week on Saturday.

The former Preston man was a key part of the side that beat Bury on penalties on Sunday, following a dramatic semi-final second leg at Gigg Lane.

“I can’t put into words what it means,” said Langmead. “I spoke to my mum after the game on Sunday and she was in tears.

“We’re not lucky enough to be on £100,000 a week and playing in the Champion’s League finals so this is what it is all about for us.

“These moments are so special for us as players. To have the chance to play there once in my career would have been enough, but this is just unbelievable.”

Langmead has had to fight for a place in boss Paul Simpson’s starting line-up this season, finding himself behind Graham Coughlan and Mike Jackson in the pecking order earlier in the campaign.

But a long-standing knee injury to Jackson has given him the opportunity for an extended run in the heart of defence and he has thrived alongside skipper Coughlan in recent weeks.

“I’ve been really pleased with my form in the last four or five games,” he added.

“There have been moments this season where I have let myself down and been out of the team, and you do want to pack it all in sometimes.

“But it is moments like this that make it all worthwhile. This is what you are in football for.”

• Town will be the ‘away’ team at Wembley, with Shrewsbury’s fans allocated the West End – the same section of the stadium they were housed in for their defeat to Bristol Rovers two years ago.

By CHRIS HUDSON